[Winona Online Democracy] CE Woodford asked about an overpass vs. an underpass. I think it is correct that an overpass would have less maintenance than an underpass that will often be into the water table. I think most of us have also seen or heard of problems with an underpass during torrential rain events. Designs generally accommodate 80% of rain events but it is not cost effective to cover the ultimate storm. Ground water is more predictable but will be a yearly cost.
An overpass was first considered. Because clearance for a train is much higher than clearance for a car and because the rails are currently higher than the roadway, an underpass would be a much smaller structure. An overpass is easier to build in an area of open spaces. An overpass on Huff would have been over twice as long and much wider than on underpass and would have had a greater if not unaffordable affect on area homes, businesses and WSU buildings. Good estimates are not available yet but I believe that the project cost will be in the $10 million dollar range. (I hope that number doesn't come back to haunt me in someone's quote two or three years from now.) We have not yet determined WSU, city and railroad portions of the projects. Pelzer was lower on the table of "exposure factors" but it was also pointed out as one of the three best candidates for a "grade separation." The others being Huff and Louisa. The goal is to spread the "grade separations" out to accommodate traffic through out the community. Many other factors went into consideration for the Pelzer street project, including the TH61 intersection improvements, the 5th street intersection and the Port's truck traffic as well as available funding sources. Pelzer should be bid and may begin minor construction this year with major work in 2006. It is unknown when Huff Street would begin. We have much discussion and many hurdles before that will occur. The Federal support certainly gives incentive to proceed. Keith Nelson City of Winona Public Works Winona, MN 507 457 8274 -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of C. E. Woodford Sent: Tuesday, August 02, 2005 4:26 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [Winona] Re: Huff St underpass [Winona Online Democracy] _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
